For God and Country: Forty Great Hymns of Joy and Celebration

A friend gave me this book/CD set a few years ago, and it quickly became a favourite piece of music, as well as a very useful item for use in my chaplaincy. This book/CD is a digital hymnal - the CD has the recordings, and the book has the print-music and lyrics of the following famous hymns:A Mighty Fortress Is Our GodPraise to God, Immortal PraiseJesus Christ is Risen TodayThe Strife is O'erLift Up Your HeartsCome, Ye Faithful, Raise the StrainHe is Risen! He is Risen!Behold the KingLo! He ComesSleepers, Awake!All Glory, Laud and HonourThe Joining of the FeastCome with Us, O Blessed JesusFather, We Thank TheeLord, Dismiss Us with Thy BlessingMy God, Thy Table Now is SpreadCrown Him with Many CrownsLift Up Your HeadsAlleluia! Sing to Jesus!Holy God, We Praise Thy NameCome, Thou Almighty KingHoly, Holy, Holy!Rock of AgesGod, Our Help in Ages PastAmazing GraceAbide with MeJoyful, Joyful, We Adore TheeGod, My King, Thy Might ConfessingFairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of All NatureNow Thank We All Our GodGod the OmnipotentCoventry CarolThe Duteous Day Now ClosethGlorious Things of Thee Are SpokenWere You There?Sacred Head, Sore WoundedNow Israel May Say, and that TrulyMy Country, 'Tis of TheeGod of Our FathersAs with Gladness, Men of OldThese are standards, classic pieces of music known to Americans Catholic and Protestant. Practically every hymn is included in several denominational hymnals, and many of the hymns carry tunes that are readily identifiable. These hymns date back to hymnody from continental European traditions; famous pieces from Italy, France, Germany and England are present, representing a rich background of music.Each of the forty hymns occupies two pages - the first page includes authorship, composition, dating, and a brief history of the hymn. You'll find which ones were sung on the Titanic, which were popular during the American Civil War, which ones were favourites of Martin Luther. The second page of each contains the music and the lyrics. There is a brief introductory essay at the start, and a useful index at the end.The music included has layout for multiple parts, so hymns can be played or sung in parts. The CD has each hymn repeated three times; the first time in a simple melody, and the second time with a brass fanfare, and the third with a full-out orchestration. Anthony Newman and the Chestnut Brass Company have broad backgrounds and recording experience, which provides an excellent foundation for this high-quality recording. A wonderful collection of hymns, this makes a great addition to the home music library, and equally a great gift.